Status of the Arkansas Darter in South-central
Kansas and Adjacent Oklahoma

Methods and Materials

We obtained information from museum collections, scientific journals, governmental
agency reports, and other unpublished sources about previous records of the
Arkansas darter. We used this information to prepare maps of the known distribution
of the Arkansas darter in south-central Kansas and adjacent areas of Oklahoma.
These summaries facilitated the selection of sample localities for our 1997
survey. We chose sample sites with two aims: 1) to determine if the species
still occurred in historic stream segments and 2) to clearly define the range
of the species within gaps and along the southern periphery of its overall distribution.
For our assessment of the status of the Arkansas darter, we were able to sample
100 localities in July 1997. We pooled our data with unpublished information
from 45 additional sites sampled between 1994 and 1997 during general stream
surveys conducted by Fort Hays State University and the Kansas Department of
Wildlife and Parks.

We collected Arkansas darters with dip-nets, because it is difficult to
effectively seine or electrofish in the vegetated habitats occupied by this
species. At each site, one to three people concentrated their sampling efforts
in areas with rooted aquatic vegetation, filamentous algal mats, or overhanging
vegetation and roots along the banks. Depending on the extent of suitable
habitat, we expended 10 to 45 minutes of sampling effort (number of minutes
× number of people sampling) at each location.

At most sites, we recorded the numbers of "adult" and "young" Arkansas darters,
based on two general size classes noted in our samples. At localities with
extensive habitat and where we captured Arkansas darters in virtually every
dip-net sample, we recorded them as "numerous" (usually more than 100 individuals
counted). We took no voucher specimens in consideration of the protected status
of the species in Kansas and Oklahoma. We considered misidentification to
be unlikely; the only other species of Etheostoma in the area is the
distinctive orangethroat darter (Etheostoma spectabile).

We measured water temperature and specific conductance with a Hach 44600
Conductivity/TDS Meter at most sites where the Arkansas darter was sampled.
In addition, we estimated canopy cover as a percentage of the width of the
stream channel. We also noted substrate composition and types of aquatic vegetation
or other submerged structures.